EMILE Heskey had talks with Ipswich Town chief executive Simon Clegg last week over a proposed move to Portman Road.

We understand the 62-cap England international and his representatives met with Clegg and had positive talks.

But Town could face a battle with divisional rivals Hull City for the 34-year-old striker.

Though the Tigers this week signed German frontman Nick Proschwitz for �2.5 million, and manager Steve Bruce dismissed the Heskey rumours earlier this month, the Hull boss is reportedly still considering a move.

Intriguingly Heskey has played for both Bruce and Town boss Paul Jewell in the past and it could be a straight fight between the two clubs.

In a career that has included spells at Liverpool and Aston Villa, the muscular forward has been able to command big wages in the past.

That could be a stumbling block for the Blues but with Heskey without a club, he could be willing to meet Jewell’s more stringent demands – with inducements potentially including a big signing-on fee or a pay-as-you-play deal.